BS/MS in Computer Science and Engineering

Zoom image: This well-liked fellow, an Aldebaran Nao humanoid robot, was a member of Jason Corso's Vision and Perceptual Machines Lab (VPML). His sunny yet somewhat vague countenance welcomed visitors who passed by the Smart Room (Davis 106). Photo credit: Ken Smith Closeup of an orange and white Aldebaran Nao humanoid robot.

This well-liked fellow, an Aldebaran Nao humanoid robot, was a member of Jason Corso's Vision and Perceptual Machines Lab (VPML). His sunny yet somewhat vague countenance welcomed visitors who passed by the Smart Room (Davis 106). Photo credit: Ken Smith

The department offers a combined program leading to the simultaneous conferral of the Computer Science BS and the Computer Science and Engineering MS.

On this page:

Did You Know?

  • Starting salary for undergraduate degree holders: $69,000 - $100,920
  • According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for computer scientists is projected to increase 20 percent through 2022, much faster than the average for most occupations.  Our graduates are aggressively recruited by top companies nationwide.
  • CS graduates often receive scholarships to pursue masters and doctoral studies at prestigious institutions.

Computer Scientists: Transforming Society with Critical Technologies

Computer and information technologies are critical to the nation’s technological infrastructure and competitive advantage in today’s knowledge-based global economy. These technologies have enabled discoveries and inventions in diverse fields of study, and have transformed society and our daily lives in dramatic ways.

Computer Science (CS) is a systematic study of the concepts, foundations and applications of software, hardware, and intelligent systems. Typical subjects include: programming languages, data structure, algorithms, computer organization, operating systems and machine learning.

Computer scientists are engaged in understanding the algorithmic complexity of problems and the limits of computability, automating human intelligence, providing ubiquitous access to information, or designing secure and effective software, computer, and communication systems. Computer scientists work in every sector of industry, government, and society in general. 

Computer scientists use their knowledge to:

  • Analyze problems in hardware, software, and systems;
  • Design, test, and evaluate network and communications systems;
  • Meet an organization’s system software and infrastructure needs;
  • Work as researchers, or inventors, innovating to solve complex problems, and create or apply new technology.  CS research may be multidisciplinary, such as developing and advancing uses of virtual reality, extending human-computer interaction, or designing robots;
  • Administrate database management systems software.

Program Advantages

This program has several advantages over separately earning the BS in Computer Science and then the MS in Computer Science and Engineering degrees, including:

  • 134 credit hours compared to 150 credit hours
  • opportunity to compete for graduate financial assistance before BS conferral
  • guaranteed admission to the Graduate School for students making satisfactory progress in the program

Students applying to the BS/MS Program in Computer Science and Engineering can complete the combined program in five years. For purposes of financial aid and tuition, students are considered graduate students in the beginning of their seventh semester of the program (the semester in which the student carries more graduate credits than undergraduate credits).

Academics

Curriculum Overview

First year-Sophomore

The first two years build a strong foundation in object-oriented programming, data structures, and digital systems.  During the first two years, CS majors also develop the necessary foundations in calculus, probability/statistics, and discrete mathematics.  The student also takes a two-semester sequence in any science discipline during this period.

Junior

The junior year is devoted to the study of algorithms, programming languages, computer organization, and theory of computing.  These courses continue to provide important core concepts necessary for more advanced study of both hardware and software systems.

Senior

The first three years prepare students to take a pair of required courses in the senior year: software engineering and operating systems.  The final year is devoted to elective courses in topics such as software systems, networking, and artificial intelligence. 

Requirements

Students may apply after completing at least 56 credit hours with a minimum GPA of 3.3 among all required CSE, MTH, and EAS courses.

Transfer students must complete at least one semester at UB before applying to this program.

We recommend that you complete these courses before you apply:

And one or both of:

*Unless exempted by an SAT score, Advanced Placement credits, or transfer credits.

Eligibility

  1. Students may apply to the BS/MS program the semester after completing CSE 250: Data Structures, but before enrolling in their third CSE course that does not fulfill a CSE BS/MS requirement.
  2. After enrolling in their third or subsequent CSE course that does not fulfill a CSE BS/MS requirement, students are no longer eligible to apply for the combined BS/MS program. 

Application

To apply to the Computer Science and Engineering BS/MS program:

  1. Complete the Computer Science and Engineering BS/MS Program Application.
  2. Attach two letters of recommendation from CSE faculty.

Applications, including letters of recommendation, must be received by the following deadlines: July 31 for Fall admission and December 31 for Spring admission.

Submit your dossier to the CSE Undergraduate Academic Advisor.  Applications are reviewed by the Co-Directors of Undergraduate Studies and the Director of Graduate Studies.  CSE will notify applicants via email of the determination.

Program Enrollment

The BS/MS in Computer Science and Engineering program currently enrolls 26 students—15 on the BS side, 11 on the MS side. (December 20, 2024)